Joe Foti, the long-time Chelsea Department of Public Works director, has announced that he will leave his position at City Hall to pursue a similar position with the City of Peabody.
The announcement came on Friday, and on Monday City Manager Tom Ambrosino confirmed the news that a second major department head will leave since he came into office.
“It’s a big blow to the City,” said Ambrosino. “Joe Foti has done a good job here and had a great reputation. That was pretty evident to me as well since I’ve been here. I’m discouraged he’s leaving, but happy to hear he has a better opportunity.”
Foti’s last day will be this Friday, Oct. 30.
Ambrosino said he will be promoting Andy DeSantis as the temporary director after Foti leaves.
However, DeSantis is planning to retire next year and is not interested in pursuing a permanent position.
A search for a new director will begin in the next few weeks, Ambrosino said.
“We’ll go back out and request resumes from qualified individuals to fill the position,” he said.
Foti is the second major department head to leave City Hall in recent months.
Long-time ISD Director Joe Cooney left his post earlier this summer for a construction supervisory position in the Chelsea School Department.
Chelsea DPW Director Joe Foti announced late last week that he would be leaving
his post for a position in Peabody.
Joe McAteer – a former Chelsea employee – was hired recently to replace him.
Foti’s position is expected to be filled before the end of the year.